A functional genomics screen identifying blood cell development genes in Drosophila by undergraduates participating in a course-based research experience

Undergraduate students participating in the UCLA Undergraduate Research Consortium for Functional Genomics (URCFG) have conducted a two-phased screen using RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with fluorescent reporter proteins to identify genes important for hematopoiesis in Drosophila. This screen disrupted the function of approximately 3500 genes and identified 137 candidate genes for which loss of function leads to observable changes in the hematopoietic development. Targeting RNAi to maturing, progenitor, and regulatory cell types identified key subsets that either limit or promote blood cell maturation. Bioinformatic analysis reveals gene enrichment in several previously uncharacterized areas, including RNA processing and export and vesicular trafficking. Lastly, the participation of students in this course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) correlated with increased learning gains across several areas, as well as increased STEM retention, indicating that authentic, student-driven research in the form of a CURE represents an impactful and enriching pedagogical approach.

Attitudes towards day-case surgery in Hong Kong Chinese patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate attitudes of Chinese patients towards day-case surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

SETTING

District public hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

Two hundred patients attending a preanaesthetic assessment clinic between 1 January and 30 June 2004 were invited to participate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic profiles, understanding and attitudes towards day-case surgery, preference for day-case surgery before and after the experience, postoperative adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 28 (standard deviation, 19) years. In all 200 respondents completing the survey, 180 preferred day-case surgery. Important reasons for this view were: shorter duration of hospitalisation, dislike of hospital environments, belief that hospitals are highly infectious, need to look after their families, desire to return to work early, and doctors' advice. Small home environments and belief that day-case surgery was unsafe were not important. Respondents who did not prefer day-case surgery stressed the importance of better care available for hospital in-patients, concerns about surgical complications, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and doctors' advice. Only 11% patients complained of postoperative adverse effects. Demographic characteristics and previous day-case surgery experience did not have any effect on patient preferences. However, experiencing a postoperative adverse effect significantly affected the preference (P=0.005) and satisfaction (P=0.001) of respondents for day-case surgery.

CONCLUSION

Local Chinese patients attending our institution have a high preference for day-case surgery. Postoperative adverse effects might influence the respondents' satisfaction and preference after their surgical experience.

Diluted venous blood appears arterial: implications for central venous cannulation

IMPLICATIONS

There is always a danger of arterial puncture during central venous access. One can usually identify an inadvertent arterial puncture when the aspirated blood is bright red. This sign is removed if one were to put saline in the aspirating syringe, as dusky venous blood turns bright red on dilution.

Survey of availability of iodine-enriched salt in Sarawak

Three hundred and forty five salt samples were randomly taken from 106 sources where iodised salts were supplied or put for sale in all areas gazetted as endemic goitre areas in Sarawak. The samples were analysed for the presence of iodine. In areas in Sibu, Sarikei and Kapit Divisions, 53-70% of salt put for sale were iodised while in the other 6 Divisions, it was less than 27%. As iodisation of salt is an interventive measure in addressing the goitre problem in the State, regular monitoring of iodisation facilities and iodine content of iodised salt in the affected areas is important to ensure the effectiveness of the programme.